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The Many Benefits of Broccoli…

October 16, 2008

I am a fan of Brocolli. I thought of making broccoli the star of today’s post and thought of what ways can this veggie benefit us all.

A recent study done in University of Warwick published in the Journal Diabetes showed some interesting findings that made me realize how lucky am I to enjoy Broccoli. The study looked at a compound present in broccoli that has the potential to help prevent complications of diabetes.

RESULTS–: Activation of nrf2 by SFN induced nuclear translocation of nrf2and increased ARE-linked gene expression. For example, 3 – 5fold increased expression of transketolase and glutathione reductase.Hyperglycemia increased the formation of ROS – an effectlinked to mitochondrial dysfunction and prevented by SFN. ROSformation was increased further by knockdown of nrf2 and transketolaseexpression. This also abolished the counteracting effect ofSFN, suggesting mediation by nrf2 and related increase of transketolaseexpression. SFN also prevented hyperglycemia-induced activationof the hexosamine and protein kinase C pathways, and preventedincreased cellular accumulation and excretion of the glycatingagent, methylglyoxal.

CONCLUSION–: We conclude that activation of nrf2 may prevent biochemicaldysfunction and related functional responses of endothelialcells induced by hyperglycemia in which increased expressionof transketolase has a pivotal role.

This study is particularly interesting because it is known that patients with diabetes are at higher risk to develop complications especially heart disease. And from previous studies, it has also been shown that eating vegetables like broccoli was significantly linked to reduced heart disease. The relationship stems from the finding that damage to blood vessels is due to an increased levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the presence of high sugar. The recent study has confirmed that the substance Sulforaphane present in Broccoli can indeed prevent damage brought about by these ROS with high sugar level.

Sulforaphane substance present in abundance in broccoli was able to reduce ROS level by 73% and likewise results in activation of an gene regulator in the cells that resulted in the increase of antioxidant compounds. Great news!!! Great findings!!!

But does this mean lets all eat broccoli? We have to wait for studies that will look at end result. But whatever it is…we know veggies are healthy food, broccoli for one has the potential to be a “star” vegetable due to its touted many benefits including prevention of cancer, cataracts Plus this new finding which am sure will make my diabetic patients crave for more broccoli.

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